What has District 90 done to cut/trim or freeze expenses since the 1998 referendum?
The school board has taken a number of steps to reduce expenses so as to delay another referendum.
The entry-level salary schedule for certified teachers was frozen in 2004 and remains frozen until the next teacher contract negotiation in 2007. The board also negotiated a two-tier salary increase system in 2004 where certified teachers hired after July 1, 2004 receive annual increases of 50% less than those teachers hired prior to that date.
In addition, the school board froze its health insurance contribution in 2004 for all eligible employees hired after July 1, 2004. The board refinanced long-term debt using its own cash reserves, allowing it to avoid paying loan interest during a period of rising interest rates.
Finally, the board has annually reviewed and implemented increases in school fees for each academic year and summer school and is evaluating additional fees for after-school activities so these optional programs achieve break-even.
Your vote counts! Please vote "YES" for the referendum on March 21, 2006.
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